I am looking into start carrying in a shoulder holster and I am finding too many options to contend with. Most of the options I see are straight up crap and a few of them, while being high quality, are out of my price range.
I am partial to Alien Gear holsters as that is what I carry in now, OWB, at 3:30 ish. Alien gear did at one time manufacture a shoulder holster, but they have since discontinued that line, going for more common IWB options.
Versa carry was another option I considered simply because of location. They are literally around the corner from where I live, about a quarter mile away. They do manufacture high quality leather shoulder holsters, but they are horizontal, not vertical. I want vertical.
In my searching I have stumbled upon a myriad of other options not limited to shoulder carry. One that keeps popping up is the VNSH holster, and I am wondering if anyone has bitten on that one yet and what are your thoughts?
I want a vertical simply for the fact I do not wish to have the muzzle pointed at anyone when I am carrying. True, my finger will not be on the bang switch, completely safe, blah, blah, blah…I prefer vertical.
IWB isn’t an option for my chosen weapon either because of its physical size. I may have to rethink that strategy as there are more options now than there were when I first started carrying so many years ago.
I might even have to start carrying a smaller framed weapon if the shoulder holster doesn’t pan out.
we picked up a couple of VNSH belly bands
had to down size the firearm to a colt snub nose
in 38, I prefer 45ACP but they print too much
I am saving up for a shoulder rig from Galco
ya it expensive but I like them
Brother B,
I have (2) expensive Shoulder Holsters ,Ones a Galco, the others a DeSantis
Both excellent but both Tan Leather (and I sweat in the summer), so they are Winter Holsters.
My Fave is a ‘Tanker’ by DeSantis: $70 (Blemished) Reg: $130+
I also have an interest in shoulder holsters. My problem is having to wear an over shirt/garment. In hot temps I sweat like a pig in just an oversized t-shirt. This is my cover garment for IWB carry and due to love handles printing with my compact EDC is usually not a problem. I do however like the idea of shoulder carry especially when seated in a vehicle.
Yeah, I know, lose weight and I am very seriously working on that part.
In my Monday to Friday work week, I would carry openly as I do now. T-shirt as a base layer, work shirt, then holster. If needed, like having to stop somewhere after work, I could put a vest on for a short period.
Weekends I could trade the work shirt for some button up shirt and just not button it up. The layers would be t-shirt, holster then overshirt. I have a few very light shirts from 5.11 I picked with a discount. These shirts breath.
There is a big gun show coming into town the weekend of August 8-9-10…I will see if anyone there has something available.
I purchase my holsters from Craft Holsters. I purchased a shoulder rig for my S&W 629 6" barrel. It has a double speed loader carrier on the opposite side. They make their holsters specific to your gun- no “fits all” crap. They have frequent sales too. You may have to wait to get it as they are made to order in Europe.
Biggest thing I’ve heard about shoulder holsters is the safety when drawing. Vertical helps some but you still have the firearm aimed in a unsafe directions while drawing or if horizontal carry, your firearm is pointing behind you when holstered. If you carry a round in the chamber, it’s not the safest option even with safeties in place.
Probably goes without saying, but the times I do go shoulder, I need and do use a retention strap which goes from my waist belt to the holster, and on the strong side, another retention strap to the magazine or speed loaders (which I really need/use to balance my body weight).
Got a low cost black nylon/cloth one, does the job.
Wanna get a leather one. Some come as hybrid mixed material with kydex/plastic holster which I’m interested in because I like that the stiff holster will not bend - my fear being I go to re-holster and the trigger ever so slightly brushes up against the worn softer holsters.
Talk about comfort and convenience while driving, indeed.
Although I haven’t tried the Vertical option (I want to), I’ve been pretty happy with the Galco Classic shoulder holster. What’s nice about the Galco option is that you can swap components (although that adds to the price). My preferred setup is the horizontal holster with the extra-wide shoulder straps and downward double magazine carrier mounted high near the armpits without a tie-down. On one of my setups I keep a 1xCR123 Surefire flashlight in the second magazine carrier.
I have this setup for a Kahr and another for a S&W M&P full size (since I like it so much). However, I would assume the Vertical option requires a belt tie-down if you don’t want it swinging out all the time.
Biggest downside for me is that it looks like I’m carrying two paperback books under my armpits, even with my smaller firearm (Kahr CW45). This is why I only where it underneath a thick winter jacket when it’s very cold outside.
Temporary downsides are 1. takes awhile to setup/adjust/readjust/break in the shoulder straps and 2. practice needed for getting used to putting it on. I put it on like a backpack and it’s now pretty quick.
Here’s a good video by Massad Ayoob going over some basics:
I have a shoulder holster for a Ruger P89. I bought the one from Ruger so it would fit. It’s horizontal though.
My experience with shoulder holsters ended when I was with the family at an amusement park and was pushing kids uphill in a wagon and the gun snapped loose and fell out on me. Thankfully it was winter and it was dark. I had a big Carhartt coat on and I grabbed that gun quick and shoved it in those big oversized coat pockets, went to a bathroom and put it back in the holster. If anyone saw me, they never said. I don’t think my wife even noticed. I don’t carry in a shoulder holster anymore.
So plus one on the vertical (less likely to fall out) and tie downs that should keep the gun from flopping around and getting loose as well.
I hear you. I had a similar accident once with a shoulder holster, stopped using that brand and emphasized good/better retention on the next shoulder holster.
Something to be said for good quality tools (safe from drops), to carry chambered vs un-chambered, safety vs no safety lever.
First thing you might try is the used holster basket. A lot of gun stores have one and the holsters are very reasonable. That way you can try out few without committing a lot of money to one you might not like. I have a few I use I found that way.
Shoulder holsters are great . I have a single right hand and double shoulder holsters too. The best I’ve got has been from dinosaursed, especially for the money.
Great shoulder holsters. Dinosaursed.com. inexpensive. Leather, riveted, good quality and easy to adjust. I have a single right hand and a double shoulder holster rig from them. You can also order them Thru Amazon. I’m not connected with them in any way. Just a satisfied, beyond my expectations, customer.
. I have a single right hand and double shoulder holsters too. The best I’ve got has been from dinosaursed, especially for the money.